Adventures in our Life

DIY Valentines Cards

2012-02-11T19:38:00.000-08:00

I wanted to get creative with Jane's Valentines this year so naturally, I turned to Pinterest! I quickly stumbled on the perfect idea - Tootsie Pop Valentines! I think I've outdone myself this year and I can't imagine topping this next year. How CUTE are these! The original idea came from this blog - total genius.

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Here's how I did it:

1) Took a photo of Jane with her hand outstretched.
2) Downloaded it and added the text and border in Picasa.
3) Printed them on my photoprinter, and slit out the opening for the sucker with the tip of a knife and inserted the sucker.
4) Had jane sign them with a photo marker and voila! The cutest Valentine's card EVER!

She's so excited to give them to her kindergarten classmates and especially her teacher, Mr. Dodge.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I had to share this

2012-01-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooksteals fan Nancy Roth posted this on the ScrapbookSteals.com Facebook Fan page. Yes, I laughed so hard that it had to make my personal blog. HILARIOUS!

Twas the Night Before Christmas

2011-12-24T14:18:00.001-08:00

Christmas Programs

2011-12-21T16:42:00.000-08:00

Had to share these cute shots of Jane before her school Christmas programs this week!

My Pinterest Obsession

2011-12-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

I love Pinterest. It's the greatest idea since this super cool website babysteals came along :) Pinterest can be overwhelming because you can love almost everything you see and can spend hours 'pinning' things you love into organized boards yet never seem to try many of the ideas. I tend to take the opposite approach and organize my boards accordingly - such as "Food to Try" and "Recipes I've Tried and loved". Every Sunday I've been trying some of the recipes I've pinned to my Food to Try board and moving them to the other board - assuming I liked it! Here are some winners I've found through Pinterest that have become traditions in my house:

Pumpkin Pancakes - I make a big batch of these on Sundays. I take what is leftover and freeze them individually, then put them all in a freezer ziploc bag. They pop into the toaster perfectly for the boys on school mornings. Top with Nutella or maple syrup - amazing!

Green Smoothie Cups - I admit these look nasty, but they're totally not! Again, I make a big batch on Sunday. I keep coconut water in the fridge so the boys can make their smoothies each morning by adding the water and one smoothie cup to the blender. They love it! For real!

Homemade Cinnamon Almonds - Trust me on this one. Stop what you're doing right now and make these- it will take less than 10 minutes to prepare them. Your house will smell incredible and you'll never buy the ones at the mall again. Except you'll have to make a lot- my boys devoured one batch in less than 24 hours.

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Homemade Ranch Dressing - There are three things I hate about store bought ranch dressing. MSG - I'm allergic and it's terrible for your body. It's fattening, and high in sodium. Totally defeats the purpose of having a salad. This recipe is fresh and much more healthy for you. I replace half of the mayonnaise with plain greek yogurt. It's amazing!

Here's my Pinterest account. If you need an invite, let me know and I'll send you one. I have many other things I use Pinterest for that I'll talk about in another post. Happy Pinning and I apologize in advance!

Woodland Forest Baby Shower

2011-12-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

In March I threw a last minute baby shower for my sister-in law Audria. It was planned for later in the month (so I hadn't picked a theme yet) but we found out baby Bridger was coming almost a month early so I had to rally fast! It was on a Monday night and I literally planned the theme while chatting with my brilliant and crafty friend Lisa Mack the Saturday night before. Since his name was going to be Bridger, (and there is a forest called Bridger National Forest) we picked a Woodland Forest theme. I'm not sure how we pulled it off, but Lisa totally helped me rally and we put together a super cute shower for Audria! I was feeling pressure to make it perfectly cute because I'm the owner of BabySteals and ScrapbookSteals ....geez! The colors were lime green, orange, brown and blue. Oh and - I had to work on Monday, so I had it catered by Cafe Rio. Highly recommended, huge hit. :)

Here are some photos of what we did!

Oh yes, I DID make a diaper cake out of BABY LEGS in the theme colors!

The dessert and drink table

Blue and Green Jelly Belly's

Lisa designed and made these Woodland themed cupcake toppers!

I special ordered the cupcakes from Sweet Tooth Fairy

Green and Blue M&M's - right out of the regular M&M bag

Here last name is Jonas (my maiden name) so of course that means I have to get green & blue Jones Soda's and change the "E" to an "A"!

Tissue Paper Pom Pom flowers - so easy!

Table centerpiece

I made a clothes line of baby socks in the theme colors

Not bad for 2 days planning!

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My "Aha Moment"

2011-10-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

I was recently invited by Mutual of Omaha to come to the last stop on their nationwide Aha Moment tour in Salt Lake City and record with them my Aha moment. It was really fun meeting them and learning about their tour around the nation. They titled my video "Create the live you want".

One year ago today ....

2011-09-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

...was operation "We Send Joy" where my partner Rett and I flew to Canada to surprise some customers in Vancouver BC, Edmonton AB, and Calgary AB at their front doors by hand delivering some of their orders. Here is the blog post and video that details the amazing trip!

How does Steal Network ship so fast?

2011-09-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

The Bumble Collection Jana Bag for BabySteals

2011-09-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Alice in Wonderland Replies to Jane

2011-07-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Ok. I'm sort of freaking out right now. Remember the hilarious video a few posts below of Jane's innocent plan to Kidnap Alice in Wonderland from Disneyland to bring her here to Utah for her Birthday Party?

Well, Jane was replied to by the "Alice" herself at Disneyland and uploaded to YouTube! Look at their reply!

They're even holding a picture of her...!

If you haven't seen the video, it's here or scroll to the post below.

you know who you are :)

2011-05-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

May the 4th be with you.

2011-05-04T09:56:00.001-07:00

My two boys are giant Star Wars fans. I mean, giant. Not a day goes by without a conversation about whether "Han shot first" or how cool the Cantina band is. Both of their rooms are completely decorated in Star Wars including their bedspreads. At Disneyland, the majority of their time is spent in Tomorrowland's Star Wars store. Which is where we got these pictures. :)

Happy Star Wars Day!

Jane's plan to steal Alice in Wonderland for her Birthday Party

2011-05-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

Jane loves Alice

Sweet Jane woke up on her birthday and eagerly described for me what she wanted for her birthday party.

Turns out I need to devise a plan to steal Alice in Wonderland from Disneyland to come to Utah for her party....hilarious! Here is how Jane thinks it should be done...

UPDATE! ALICE REPLIED TO JANE! Click this to see the video!

...from our Disney trip last December...

She was so intrigued by the Mad Hatter

Didn't really dig the queen...

He is so silly, mama!

Jane's Birth Story

2011-05-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

Five years ago I had the most beautiful baby in the world. I wrote her birth story a week after she was born so I wouldn't forget. I've never shared it to this point but given the business I'm in, I figured I may as well!

~jane~

Written May 9th, 2006:

Jane was due on May 6th, 2006. Her birth story starts May 1st- a Monday night. After a long day of work at KSL, I spent the evening and night power washing the garage, driveway, Denali, and anything else that might have a spec of dust on it. Talk about nesting! I knew from the appt. with Dr. Chambers that we had that morning that I was 3 ¼ cm dilated and had a ‘bump’ or ‘ridge’ which I took as being 80% effaced. She said for us to call her on Wednesday if we’d like to be induced; that she was off the next day on Tuesday. She said I’d probably need about 2 hours of the pitocin to get me going. I didn't want to get induced at all unless there was a medical need for it. I just really wanted to go into labor on my own. I was planning and had prepared to go natural. I just decided to be patient and wait it out; and either go to work or make a long relaxing day at home getting light projects done. I woke up around 2 or 3 am and couldn’t sleep as usual; I was hungry so got up to have a bowl of cereal. I ended up watching about an hour of scrapbooking shows On Demand and didn’t really have any contractions; just contemplated whether or not I should go to work in the morning.

So around 6:30 am or so I woke up and had a contraction or two. They had more of a ‘pull’ to them. After three or four contractions that seemed pretty consistent and to no provoking; I started to write them down. I had several more that were 10 minutes apart. By 8am they were still coming but I still wasn’t sure if anything was going on or not. So I decided to wait to leave for work until I was sure I wasn’t in labor. I left messages for Chris and Tami and just decided to keep writing them down and wait it out. So they started to come 6 minutes apart pretty consistently. Eric took the boys to school and came back home to get ready for work himself. Tuesday is usually his day off but since baby would be here soon he decided to go in at least for a while. By 8:30am my handwriting of the time got much worse. While Eric was gone, I managed to scrub the shower, both counters and sinks in the bathroom and kitchen, even cleaned the toilets. During contractions I’d just stop and breathe through it or even just try to continue what I was doing to see if I would distract myself. I continued in ‘putter’ mode until Eric was in the shower saying he was going to head up to the office. At that time I got a contraction that brought me to my knees in the bathroom. I remember saying, “Eric, I am DEFINITELY in labor.”

At that point, they were coming on faster and faster, sometimes even only 1 ½ minutes apart. So I decided to get in the bath with lavender and see if they would calm down a little and maybe they would even stop; as they had in the past. The bath did space them out a little; put them down to about 4 minutes apart but they didn’t go away. It was amazing how much different the pain was in the water. Something about it takes the edge off. So I decided to get all ready and did my makeup as I sat in the bath. I also kept writing down the time of my contractions and would look on my cell for the time. Eric in the meantime realized that this was business, so he went outside for a while to let Comanche (the dog) out and water the plants that might be forgotten if I was in the hospital. He was like, “I have to go outside -should I leave you alone?” I said I’d be fine, which I was but went through many hard contractions in the bath. It gave me time to do my yoga breathing and get into the zone and practice making my body completely limp to relax through the contractions and let them open up and do the work necessary. I got a text from Todd at my work around 10:30am asking if this was the day. I said, “yep, I think this is B-day, headed to the hospital soon; 3 minutes apart and they freakin hurt!” For some reason I was pretty calm about the whole thing and just very calmly kept getting myself ready and packing for the hospital. I remember asking Eric about 11am if we should be calling people to let them know I’m in labor. Like Dr. Chambers who was off for the day; Kathleen Richardson - neighbor and previous lay midwife who's attended hundreds of births who was going to act as my doula, and his mom and my mom. I think he called my mom and his mom to just let them know that we were going to the hospital and we’d call them when we got settled and were sure that this was going to happen today. He called Kathleen around 11:30.

The contractions kept coming and getting stronger and closer together. I got in a really bad mood trying to get my iPod (which I didn’t even get a second to turn on) all updated. It got to the point that if Eric talked to me during a contraction it would really tick me off and break my concentration. I was suddenly very grumpy. They really, really took concentration to relax at this point. We packed up a few remaining things while Audria got Brandon home from kindergarten. They went into Easton’s room and just played video games. I remember one contraction put me on to the floor and really killed. I told Eric we better get going while they are 2-4 minutes apart; because I knew they would only get worse and I needed to get comfortable, and in the zone. We said bye to Audria (who got all emotional which made me emotional) and I got emotional saying bye to sweet Brandon. This was the last time he'd be my youngest child. Going out to the car I got a contraction that hurt so bad all I could do was push my head against the car and bend down. After that one, I wanted to walk all around my garden and memorize which flowers would be in bloom on her birthday from now on. It's May in Utah and gorgeous and I'm a gardener! Eric at that point said, “JANA GET IN THE CAR”. Sometimes I’m stupid.

About 12:15 we left the house for the hospital. On the drive over we were fairly relaxed, I reveled in my ability to labor at home for so long with such task-oriented focus. (silly me) I was very happy that my driveway was spotless, my car was spotless, my garage was spotless, my bathrooms were spotless, the kids were in school, I slept the night before (for the most part, anyway), that it was Eric’s day off and the kids were settled, and it was a gorgeous, sunny spring day. And we very calmly spent the morning finishing last minute details and had time to pack everything and be prepared. Reveling didn’t last long with another contraction on the way. I reminded Eric that his wife was in labor and that meant he could drive a little faster than normal and even break a traffic rule or two. At that time, a very slow construction truck pulled right in front of us on our street and proceeded to go very slow the whole way out. Grrrrr, just my luck. I was flipping through the radio stations on the dial trying to find KSL (the radio station I worked at) hoping that would be distracting to the pain. Well, the next contraction came on right and I found myself saying TURN OFF KSL! Grumpy in pain, I tell you!

Right then, we turn left and BUMP BUMP! The entrances to the hospital could not be worse!! I couldn’t believe how bad it hurt to go over those bumps! We pulled right up front and it felt so weird finally walking in the hospital that you toured and wondered when it would be your day. I was very proud of baby Jane because this was HER day…the day she chose when she was ready.

We got up to the nurses station and I said with confidence, “I’m in labor”….so they walked me into the prep room, where I needed to be monitored to see if I was "really was" in labor. They asked for a urine sample and I was in the middle of that when they said they were moving me into a labor room. Guess they realized I was right. Turns out it was the room I originally saw upon my tour – the one with the fake windows. It was nice though, but RIGHT by the nurses station which lended itself to a lot of distracting noises. So I got up, went into the room and was brought right to my knees with a killer contraction. I just knelt on the side of the bed until it passed and my nurse came in to introduce herself. I changed into the gown, got on the bed with the monitors and started answering all of the nurses questions. When I got a contraction, I did well doing my yoga breath to get through them. The nurse checked me and I was 5 centimeters! It was then that I knew we weren’t going anywhere. I answered a slew of questions about my health and pregnancy while she entered it all in the computer. She was a nice nurse and I liked her. I could hear baby’s heartbeat through the monitor and that was reassuring to hear it. After the nurse was done, this nurses assistant came in to set up the delivery tray. I was very surprised they were doing that already. I looked at the myriad of scissors perfectly lined up on the tray. They should never let a woman in active labor see that many cutting devices. I told her she can go ahead and put the scissors away. She said they needed them for the umbilical cord too. This nurse bugged me. I wanted her out of the room fast. A couple contractions later and after draping a sterile sheet over all of the medical equipment, she left and I laid the warning on Eric that she comes in no more.

Everything from here is slightly a blur.. I remember getting up to go to the bathroom and having a killer contraction on the way. Then getting up and seeing Kathleen Richardson walk in. Immediately she meant business and took over. Sit here, try this, do this. It was great surrendering the ‘do this’ to someone who knew the pain and knew how to help manage it. All I had to do was breathe, relax, and say “yeah that worked’ or ‘harder’. This was my first experience with a doula and I am a BIG believer if you are trying to go natural.

I was getting very frustrated because hospital personnel kept coming in the room, asking questions like, “Are you giving the baby a Hep A upon birth?” “Can you sign these registration papers?”, “I am a phlebotomist and need to take your blood”…that’s not a pleasant request of a woman in active labor. But instead of complaining I sat on the chair and looked away. After that, I wanted to sit up in the bed, get in a zone, and have no distractions. I told Eric and the nurse no more unnecessary people in the room. From here, all I remember is seeing Eric on my right and Kathleen on my left and yoga breathing to relax my body during contractions. It was going well. Yeah it hurt, bad. But I could manage it and even work with it to help it do its job. Every once in a while Kathleen would put a certain kind of aromatherapy essential oil into my nose and would have me breathe. That helped to concentrate on the smell and let it do what I needed help with at the time from energy, focus, etc. Throughout this time I had an apple juice I would sip on to keep hydrated. Contrary to what I originally thought, I actually liked the monitors on, because when the contractions go so intense, they would peak sooner and sometimes the monitor would pick up on it faster. It gave something for Eric and Kathleen to look at and they would know when to be ready for the next contraction as I felt it come on and I sometimes wouldn’t need to say anything. This helped me with concentration and keeping my body limp during the peaks of the pain and not to fight the pain. I told Eric he better call my mom and his mom to let them know this was the real deal.

The nurse came in and said that Dr. Chambers was taking a shower because she was cleaning her house but she would be on her way and that she would check me when she got here. Pretty cool on her day off! When Eric left to call it seemed like forever - two contractions without him there felt a lot worse when he was there. From here I made the mistake of wanting to get up to go to the bathroom again. That means unhooking all the monitors, getting gel all over your gown and risking a contraction out of the zone. But I did it and the contraction that ensued in the bathroom was about as bad as anything. And walking back I realized I still had on my bra and tank top underneath my gown and just as they were helping me get them off, another contraction came and all I could do was squat again up against the bed and OUCH what a mistake. I just wanted back in the bed. I remember saying something like ‘these hurt like hell’ and at that point I had officially sworn in front of Kathleen? Although I really was describing ‘hell’ as a place which makes it a noun, right? This contraction also officially kicked off "the moan". My throaty yoga breathing went from a normal ‘exhale through the nose with your throat’ to ‘exhale and make a small groan with your throat’ to ‘exhale and growl like a wolf’. None of those cut it anymore so moaning ensued. Sometimes I was too high pitched so Kathleen helped me moan lower.

After getting back in bed, hooking the monitors up wrong and trying to figure them out, it gets me out of the zone a bit. I kept thinking it would be really nice to be in that hot jacuzzi bath but Eric needed to clean it first (It was clean but I'm a germ freak) and my contractions were SO close that I worried about going to all the trouble and getting too far out of the zone with him doing that. Also by the time I got in, I would worry about having to get out and walk back to the bed risking a killer contraction along the way or even being naked in front of a bunch of people and not being able to put lotion on after. Contractions blurred from one to the next as I sat as still as I could to focus through the pain. I don’t quite remember when my mom and Eric’s mom arrived, other than it was at the height of my pain and I don’t even think I said hi to them, I just kept in my zone. I think Pam came first and jumped right in with rubbing my feet or whatever Kathleen said to do. I think Dr. Chambers came next. I was 8 CM!!! I was happy I had made it that far without even an IV. She left the room and happily told the nurse, "she’s 8 CM!" seemingly with surprise at my progression.

Somewhere in between all that, someone turned the lights down making the room darker and it even felt like the evening to me. For all I knew, it was. I asked someone what time it was and they said ‘2pm’. I didn’t put two and two together at that point that we had only been in that room since 12:30! Lots of painful contractions blur together and Dr. Chambers walks in and says she wants to break my water. I was not happy about that and pleaded no because of how painful contractions get afterward...I had been there, done that with Brandon's birth. She said at this point being so far along it doesn’t matter and it would help with the delivery. She went in to check me again and she thought I was a 9 but turns out I was still an 8. She said baby’s head was way down and she would just put a small leak in the bag. She opened the ‘crochet hook’ with her teeth and sticking that thing up there. I just remember it didn’t feel very good. I felt a little pop and the warm leaking fluid. Not much, as she said until……….a contraction. Now it was business. Every contraction was a GUSH of hot sticky fluid. Somewhere in between my mom showed up and somehow I think I was 9 ½ CM at this time. Maybe not. But she noticed that I was pretty out of it but as soon as she realized I had no IV, no pit, no epidural or anything, she seemed pretty surprised. I don’t think I said hello, not that I wasn’t thinking it, I just couldn’t say it.

Contractions now gave very little in-between breaks and also peaked from the beginning, making moaning for one minute every other minute a must. The moaning. I felt bad for making so much noise. I probably scared the hell out of any other laboring woman entering the hospital, or scaring any poor girl getting a tour. This is when I realized that I really shouldn’t have labored in the room right by the nurses station. I’m a vocal person, I can’t expect anything different in the most intense experience of my life, right? I thought I was going to throw up and Eric quickly pulled out a bed pan but the desire passed with another contraction. The deep cleansing breath afterward was more necessary than ever and I started to realize that I really wanted that freaking epidural. Not too much, just take the freaking edge off please. I remember hearing ‘he, he, hooooo’ which I swore to Eric we could not do this time. But in my vulnerable state I tried it and for some reason it helped. I realized that at this far dilated, the only way out was to push and I knew how long my previous pushing episodes had been. No way did I want to deal with contractions this painful for that much longer and have to have energy to push and then feel that unknown feeling, too. Freak, what have I done? What was I thinking?

The medal for this natural crap better be big and I better get it fast!

I think now in between contractions were spent telling Eric that I was very serious, I really wanted that freaking epidural and that I just don’t want to handle that amount of pain for that long. My other two labors I pushed for hours! My intellect really knew that I couldn’t get it, and I really didn’t want it (yes, I did) but just the act of saying it made me feel less trapped. Then the shaking. I read in a book that shaking during transition was normal, also phrases like "you did this to me" or "I’ll never do this again" or "give me drugs, now" were normal, too…so I didn’t feel too bad asking, and at least I wasn’t being mean to Eric. Someone was putting a cold washcloth on my face and forehead..probably Pam. I liked it because I was hot and sweating. Dr. Chambers said that I would be pushing before long and she checked me at 9 ½ CM. OUCH. She said to bare down a little with the contractions but that didn’t provide the relief and didn’t feel good. I tried that with the next two and it was very discouraging because I had read so many times that pushing helped the pain. Well, this ticked me off that I wasn’t experiencing that. Now I really, really wanted the freaking epidural.

Then comes the next contraction. Started with a fury but suddenly it MADE me push. Actually baring down is a better word. I didn’t want to push…I didn’t want to split in two! The next little bit all blurs together with phrases like, 1,2,3,4,5, wait deep breath and hold it! Don’t fight it, grab behind your legs! (I couldn’t even feel my legs my stomach was in a death grip from hell!) I couldn’t really hear the Dr. because it seemed like everyone was talking to me at once. Small feelings of encouragement ensued upon them moving the bed down, putting pans below me. Encouragement and then absolute terror that I actually had to push this thing out with nothing. Boy that was a real smart idea. Who am I, the president of the Drug Free Childbirth Association? Even SHE wants drugs at this point!

I pulled my legs back but just kept rubbing up against them, seemingly to fight it. But boy when I did push against it, really it was almost a break in itself. It really did feel good to push. But so scary. And the ring of fire. The most intense, burning, tight, pressure, stretching feeling you can imagine. Little did I know that my baby’s head was right there. I assumed in this short 10-15 minutes that there were hours left. I opened my eyes and saw my mom in front of me holding her thumbs up and saying, "she’s right there, almost done!" I had no idea I was that close. That gave me renewed energy and thinking, how the hell did this happen so fast! Dr. Chambers was doing the massage with lots of gel while I’m moaning like a wolf (OWIE) and somehow in the moaning and pushing and stretching and tightness and burning I hear that her head is out! The shoulder freaking killed and at that point I was probably screaming but that’s a blur, too. At the time of this major recalibration in my mind of what pain really was, it was also the most beautiful sensation I could ever imagine feeling. The gush and sense of incredible relief once that shoulder rounds the corner is unreal. I looked down and saw this perfect outline of a blue infant laying on a table. I kept asking, is she ok? Is she breathing? And being pissed that no one seemed to be aspirating her or getting her to breathe. Eric was saying, she’s fine, her chest is moving and then I hear “resuscitation, please”. In comes a nurse and my baby disappears on to a high table and all the attention shifted over there. I sat there in a pile of blood with a cord hanging out of me. Dr. Chambers says here comes your placenta, you need to push again. She told Pam to push on the top of my uterus which she did. That push sucked and hurt and reminded me of the original pain albeit only 45 seconds to a minute ago. Then plop, down it goes with another feeling of release and relief. I was fascinated by the placenta and really wanted to look at it and the cord and pay some kind of tribute to them but literally it was swept away in a bucket faster than anything. It was purple and looked smaller and rounder than my other ones. Dr. Chambers came back over to me and was looking at the perenium and then I hear the good news, “no repair needed, no tearing at all!” Now that, THAT was a great thing to hear after all that! That is exactly what I wanted.

Then I hear 7 lbs, 6 oz, 20 inches long!

I was proud of that, too! Then frustration. I want my baby! Give me my baby, why can’t I have my baby! “We’re just getting her stabilized and all of the procedures done”. I became increasingly frustrated yet tried to be patient a little longer. Then I look up, and see a nurse trying to get a t-shirt on my baby! My dream of the baby plopping out, getting aspirated and handed to me for the elation was already taken away but don’t freaking GET HER DRESSED before her mother holds her and feels her precious skin! Details again blurry but some militant mean nurse that I wanted to disappear came over to me, got in my face and very rudely explained something I really didn’t want to listen to about policies and procedures. All I know is soon after I had my sweet baby jane in my arms finally. Her little face was so swollen and she was so cute and innocent and funny looking at the same time. I cried at how amazing she was just looking up at me and being frustrated that the moment was almost taken away from me. There is no better moment on earth than finally feeling the skin of your baby with no thick barrier between you. Finally seeing the face and body that grew and lived inside of you for so long. Finally feeling the real outline of that ‘bum bum’ and those precious feet and heels that you feel on the top of your belly for months. Finally seeing that wonderful angel hair and wondering how hair even grows in water inside your body. Finally having the reassurance that they have eyes and ears and 10 fingers and toes. And the blank but meaningful, innocent stare into your eyes your baby gives you as they desperately try to focus their eyes and blink to look into yours. Wow, baby Jane is here! Wait, what time was she born? 2:48pm! So strange, Easton was born at 2:42pm and Brandon at 9:48pm! And those two times I frequently mess up thinking Easton was 2:48pm.

Wow. Elation. Shock. Did I really do that? Is it really over? Did Baby Jane really do this on her time when she was ready on her very own day? May 2^nd is a great day for a Birthday! Did I really go into labor on my own and was I really only in the delivery room for just over 2 hours? Were all the hormones aligned perfectly in my body and hers to make the labor as fast and unaided as it was? Does my baby seriously have the best head of black hair ever? Did I really push that baby out natural with no cuts or rips? Was I the loudest laboring woman ever in history at Cottonwood? Do I seriously not have an IV hooked into my arm? Can I really move every part of my body without a problem right now? Am I really not going to feel sorry for anyone who whines about pain again? Did my yoga training really aid in relaxing my body enough to stand the pain? Did I seriously consider going to work today? Was I seriously worried about an iPod less than 3 hours before giving birth? Am I the new president of the Drug Free Childbirth Association? When is my medal going to arrive? Did I really powerwash my freaking driveway last night? Do I really have the most beautiful baby ever?

Steal Network Warehouse

2011-01-28T11:34:00.000-08:00

Here are photos of the signs at our offices and warehouse!

Just off I-215 and California Avenue

I admit it's pretty surreal driving by!

...and one of the 6 back loading docks!

Solomon.

2011-01-16T21:16:00.000-08:00

This post has been about 7 months in progress. It just has been far too painful to think about much less write about. I just couldn't do it. It was too fresh, too open, too raw, too hurtful.

Rewind.

In the middle of September 2000, Eric just graduated from Chiropractic School in San Jose, California where we lived for 4 years. We drove our Uhaul filled with everything we owned to our brand new home in Taylorsville, Utah. Easton was 6 years old and Brandon was only 1 month old. As we pulled into the driveway, a red headed 7 year old boy with a sparkle in his eye ran from his home directly across the street with delight that a boy his age was moving in right next door! He came right up to Easton, introduced himself, and they both started helping unload the Uhaul. The next 10 years they were inseparable best friends as they grew up playing in the ditch, sledding in the snow, digging in the dirt, riding bikes to the park, playing video games, playing and fixing computers, tinkering with musical instruments and playing amazing duets on the piano. Little did we know that as time went on, Brandon's best friend would be Sol's sister Caroline and Jane's best friend would be Sol's sister her same age, Sophie.

Easton & Solomon at Easton's 10th Birthday Party

Easton's 11th Birthday

Solomon, his brother Seth, and Easton on Easton's 16th Birthday 3/28/2010

Fast forward to last summer on June 21, 2010, Easton's best friend Solomon, passed away in a tragic ATV accident. {obituary}

I'll never forget Eric's entrance to the house that afternoon. The life sucked out of the house and I could tell something completely horrible must have happened when he asked me to join him in the other room privately away from the kids. My heart pounded away in fear anticipating what he was about to tell me. Never in my life have I heard such painful words. "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" Is all I could muster as I fell to the ground in unbelievable crying. My heart sunk as I yelled "LISA!" (his mom) then "DAVID!" (his dad) and then "EASTON!!!!!" "No! No! No! NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" I shouted in the deepest most fearful pain I've ever experienced, with the realization that my son's entire childhood, innocence and memories were gone with his best friend in one moment. I was in complete disbelief as my brain literally considered if it was possible to rewind and change whatever happened. I remember pleading with the Lord that I would give every single monetary thing I had in life - everything - to change it. It was so sudden, so final. I JUST saw him! I even owed him $16 for working 2 hours at the BabySteals warehouse with Easton 3 days before! How is this possible? How on earth were we going to deliver such horrific news to a 16-year old about his very best friend?

I shifted into survival mode trying to figure out how we could get to Easton before someone else would text him the news - he was at the movies. We HAD to get to him before someone else did with their phone. Eric immediately left to race to the mall to get Easton and bring him home so we could tell him in person. I ran to the front door to look out the window at Solomon's house. Anger, sadness and confusion filled my heart with agonizing pain.

I sat on the floor crying with my face in my hands shaking and just trying to breathe - astonished at how life can change forever so suddenly. The thought of Easton without Solomon was like a piano without keys. The thought of Lisa and David having to tell Solomon's 7 other siblings. The thought never again saying "What's up, Sol?" as the front door opens and that tall, red-headed boy with a mischievous smile and sparkle in his eye runs downstairs to hang with Easton. The thought of never hearing those two boys spend hours perfecting their favorite songs on various instruments or tinker on the piano playing duets from the Mario Brothers theme songs to Viva la Vida by Coldplay as I made dinner. The thought of never hearing Easton say, "Mom, I'm going to Sol's"..........

The doorbell rang and it was Jay and Brad - Easton's leaders in Young Men's. They didn't know Easton wasn't home but came straight to our house the moment they heard the devastating news. It warmed my heart to think about how much they cared for and knew my son that they would stop what they were doing and rush to my home in an effort to help deliver the news. Since Eric had just left, they comforted me and left to go help others.

When Eric and Easton came home, every word we said to him was a blur. No parent should ever have to deliver such terrifying news and break their kid's heart like that. It was by far the hardest moment of my life - and I've had some HARD moments. I've had my Grandpa, my beloved Uncle, and 4 cousins all succumb to suicide or die suddenly within 3 years of each other. So I had very recently dealt with a loved one's death from many different circumstances. But this was nothing I could have ever imagined. The next hour or two was a complete blur of tears and emotion. Easton of course was in devastation and shock. But as usual, he was a complete champion.

That night, our Bishop thankfully had all the young men and young women to the church for a devotional about Solomon. I am positive this tremendously helped Easton get through these horrible moments with other friends and kids his age. I was told that Easton gave the most sweet and caring tribute to Solomon to the young men and women that night. He shared thoughts with them that I didn't even know. That they planned on living by each other and raising their kids in the same ward. That he plans on naming his first son Solomon. I can't imagine how painful for him speaking to others must have been, yet healing at the same time.

The strength of Solomon's family was astonishing to me. His mother is an incredible pillar of light and faith. Without her composure, I'm not sure I'd have had any. I'll never forget her knock on my door the next morning. Tears ensued as she explained more about what happened to Solomon. She said that Solomon had been inspiring her through every move in planning his funeral. I know this to be true. She said that Solomon wanted Easton to play the Organ at his funeral. The Organ is not an easy instrument. You must practice each song with vigor before playing in public. At this time there were only 5 church Hymns that Easton knew on the Organ, and I didn't even know what they were, much less Lisa. She was inspired on a particular Hymn "Sweet Hour of Prayer". That was one of the 5 that Easton already knew. No coincidence there; that was inspiration from above.

The days leading up to the viewing and funeral were a blur as I cried almost non-stop yet tried to be strong in front of Easton. Crying not only for the loss of Solomon - but crying for his mother. For his father and sisters and brothers. But mostly, crying at the loss for my son. That every good childhood memory he thinks back on will quickly turn into sadness. I spent hours pouring over 10 years of home videos and photos to try and find every one I had of Solomon for the viewing and as a gift for the family.

The viewing was by far the 2nd hardest moment of my life. Standing in line trying to keep composure for what felt like hours as we watched videos of him and photos posted in the hall. Watching my son stand at his best friend's casket, saying goodbye for the last time. Holding his hand, and leaving with him sheet music from "Mario Brothers" they spent so many hours perfecting together with a hand written note on it. Seeing Solomon's dad hold Easton and tell him "you are like my son" was one of the most touching moments of my life.

I wish I remember more about this moment of saying goodbye....my eyes were so full of tears that it took all the composure I had to just stand up. It felt entirely selfish to stand before his parents and be more of a wreck than they were.

Easton played the Organ amazing at the funeral. To say there were tears is an understatement. Somehow he went from a boy to a man as he walked in his tuxedo and sat down to the Organ and play "Sweet Hour of Prayer" at his best friend's funeral. He said that he doesn't even remember playing and that it wasn't even him - that it was Solomon who helped him through and played every note. Their last duet. His feet and hands were numb when he finished. I was so proud my heart ached.

Easton with Solomon's parents and two brothers at his burial

We did everything we could all summer to keep Easton entertained and from being lonely. Solomon's family helped in that tremendously as did so many other kids in our neighborhood that knew Easton was probably having a terrible time. Somehow, Easton is a champion.

These thoughts although 7 months ago, still hurt as deeply as if it were then. I still break into tears when I see a red-headed teenage boy. When Easton sits down to the piano and starts playing one of the songs they used to play together. When I stumble across a photo or home video with him in it. When Easton looks down at his phone, ready to text him, realizing he's not really there. When Easton doesn't have anyone to hang with at night. When I hear a sad song about loss. When I see an ATV. When I look across the street at his house. When the doorbell rings and it's not him.

This is one of the reasons why you'll never, ever hear me mutter the words "my teenager is driving me crazy." Because if he/she is, that's a blessing beyond recognition. At least they're there with you.

Solomon's 18th Birthday is this Wednesday. We'll be celebrating memories of him. I'll leave you with a duet I found of them practicing one of their favorite songs Viva La Vida by Coldplay on the piano. They eventually perfected this and could each play it by themselves amazingly by memory.................

what keeps me going

2011-01-03T23:43:00.000-08:00

A 2-day contest on BabySteals last summer asked the simple question, "What does BabySteals and our Facebook page mean to you?"

The answers to that question is why I do what I do. This is what I sometimes refer to on late nights or moments of doubt or overwhelm and it keeps me going. It's hard to pick my favorite from 1 to 3,176, but this quote takes the cake: "Thanks for making it easier to be a mom :)"

http://babysteals.com/aa50k.php

What I shipped in 2010, Seth Godin style

2010-12-31T17:16:00.000-08:00

I worked my tail off in 2010. Not that much different than any other year - I work hard all the time! It was an incredibly busy and phenomenal year for my business yet at the end of it looking back it's hard to remember what was accomplished beyond numbers and impressive stats. I was reading Seth Godin’s blog post challenging people to make a list and post what they ‘shipped’ in 2010. ‘Shipped’ according to Seth is accomplishing something or launching a project that scares you, whether it was a hit or not.

Seth says “it's actually difficult to publish a list like this... maybe that's another reason we hesitate to ship, because we don't want to tout too much. Your turn to post a list somewhere... You'll probably be surprised at how much you accomplished last year. Go ahead and share with your friends, colleagues or the web... don't be shy.”

Alright Seth – off the top of my head here’s some of what shipped in 2010.

Launched our corporate website StealNetwork.com

Hired and trained 26 additional employees on our staff

Fired 3

Two news appearances on KUTV (1) (2)

BabySteals.com 2nd anniversary (we party so hard online at Steal Network for anniversaries; so they’re quite the project to pull off)

Enough live video chats on our ustream channel to result in 12,750 viewers

Helped my beautiful friend Dunia raise $2,600 for a fan Jess B. to buy a gravestone for her baby. The story in her words part 1 and part 2

Moved our entire operation from a 5,000 sq foot warehouse to a 15,000 sq foot warehouse

ScrapbookSteals 1st anniversary

Traveled around Canada for a 4 day “Operation we send joy” tour, crashing a BabySteals.com “meetup” and surprising fans by hand delivering orders to their door

Spoke at 2 Conferences

Took BabySteals.com to two steals per day – 9am and 9pm

#3 in StartupNation’s leading moms in business

KidSteals 1st anniversary

Completely changed backend systems for our websites to a custom interface (don't fool yourself- this was Rett & Marco)

Attended 6 Industry tradeshows including CHA, OR (twice), Kidshow, Magic and ABC

One of 10 finalists for “Best Entrepreneur - Service Business” Stevie Awards for Women in Business

Launched KidCrawl.com Read about it here

“Today’s Steal” iPhone app – available in the iTunes store

Seth says “I didn't do all this myself... far from it.” And neither did I. Thanks to a truly unbelievable business partner (Rett) and a great staff that help make these projects come to fruition.

Here's to a successful 2011 - luckily I've already started on many things that will 'ship' soon! And as Seth says...GO make something happen!

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright

2010-12-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

aren't they darling

2010-12-18T22:34:00.000-08:00

Easton (16) Brandon (10) Jane (4)

Christmas 2010

Christmas, Disney style

2010-12-07T01:43:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday night I was lamenting about how great it would be to see Disneyland at Christmas. We never have. Three days later we were all on a flight to LA for a 3-day Disney weekend! Yeah, we were there for 5 days over Spring Break, but that's ok. I'll have to put up the photos later. But we had a blast! Oh and...we came home with annual passes :). Yes we live in Utah. Again, that's ok.

we're legit

2010-12-01T01:23:00.000-08:00

let me just say it's surreal driving down the freeway at night, looking over and thinking, "hey that logo is pretty legit". then realizing, "holy crap- that's mine".

steal network. we send joy.

how we spent thanksgiving weekend

2010-11-28T01:32:00.000-08:00

i met brandon flowers

2010-11-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

HOLY CRAP! Did you HEAR ME? Yes, I said I met Brandon Flowers. omg. He's the lead singer of my favorite band of all time The Killers. I really typed that. It must have really happened. I stood in 2nd row with Rachel at his concert. I can't 'out' my connection but long story short, after the concert the next thing I knew we were backstage talking with Ronnie (drummer for The Killers who is so completely cool), rode an elevator with the band upstairs to the backstage meet & greet (including Brandon-I almost died). And...now I sound like a teenager. That's ok. Really I was very calm, composed, reserved and professional. Not sure where that came from.

But really.......he's my absolute favorite musician of all time. Because his lyrics are unbelievable and have this crazy symbolism that has more meaning and relevance to my life than I dare describe here. This video may have a few clues. I'm not going to get started because I could talk all day about every song, album, meaning of every lyric, videos, history of the band, etc. Pathetic, I know. I even flew to Las Vegas in August to see his first concert of his solo tour. I won't embarrass myself at how much I had to pay a scalper on craigslist to get tickets. That's ok.

Although I could never pick my favorite Killer's song or album (that's like asking me to pick my favorite kid) you're missing the musical boat if you haven't paid attention to The Killers. If you don't think you know who they are, start here and you'll quickly remember. But it's not just me - the whole family loves The Killers. It's a requirement of living in this house. Even Jane loves them.

This sign may or may not be hanging in my office.

Anyway - the moral of the story is - I met Brandon Flowers. Check.

my newest kid

2010-11-15T23:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.kidcrawl.com

I am so proud.

it already:

-'crawls' the lowest price online for any baby or kid product you're looking for (hardgoods)

-allows moms to add and share reviews of any product, and combines reviews for all sites online for that product

-shows the price history for that product online

-will email you if the price drops

-prices out the price per diaper for disposables

-allows moms to ask product related questions (and get answers) and the question always stays with that product

-provides a mommy forum so moms can share deals, tips, reviews, product q&a, and general mom advice.
-shows you what moms have in their 'crib'. Here's mine.

....I could go on forever about the amazing bells and whistles this site has. Just go use it and you'll see for yourself!

St Thomas USVI

2010-11-01T23:35:00.000-07:00

The locale chosen for the annual October Caribbean adult trip with our friends was the US Virgin Island of St. Thomas. (Last year was Aruba) We went for a week with 4 of our faaaaaaavorite people on earth - Rachel & Aaron and Rett & Christine (Rett is my business partner). We stayed at the Marriott Frenchman's Cove resort. Can I just say A-MAZING? We hammered every angle of this island:

Unbelievable food (Havana Blue is a must), sunshine, private beaches, white sand and warm turquoise water, amazing resorts and weather. St. Thomas, we will be back.

happy halloween from vader & cupcake princess

2010-10-31T00:04:00.000-07:00

...and from Wilma and Fred!

...and skywalker.

oh canada, you send me joy

2010-09-30T02:02:00.000-07:00

this post could go on forever. long story short, rett and i went to canada to hand deliver orders to customers in our top 3 cities. i have to add more of my story to another post later. it's too good. here is what babysteals said: and here is a little of the video:

and press release.

What's blooming in my garden!

2010-06-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Took a photo of each iris and flower in my garden yesterday and put together this iMovie!

This is best watched on YouTube by clicking the logo in the video.

What did you do this holiday weekend?

2010-05-31T23:34:00.000-07:00

Knock, knock...is this thing on? Yeah, it's been fo-ev since I've posted, mainly because - well, I always put work before my real life (that must change, don't you think?) and second? I also blog here and here!
Tonight a friend asked me, "What did you do this weekend?" My first thought was to respond with how I was feeling, which was that I really didn't quite accomplish all I was set out to do and quite frankly, felt a bit like a failure. UNTIL I decided to answer her question literally, by just sticking to the facts. Here they are:
Friday night: worked (to get ready for a KidSteals.com 3 day sale!), and finally took the kids to Fro-gurt at 10 at night. Worked again when I got home- fell asleep in front of a spreadsheet at my computer at 1:30am.
Saturday: Worked. Eric brought me and the kids Einstein's (my Saturday morning fav!)
Took Brandon to a garage sale and to get an Iris garden tour by a 90-year old Iris collecter. I'll be writing a post about this, as it was pretty darn special.
Planted all of my container pots in the garden.
Dug up mint plants in my tropical garden that are completely taking over!
Deadheaded the garden.
Planted several packs of annuals.
Cut Easton's hair into a faux hawk (yes, I am THAT kind of mom. It looks awesome BTW. Cut me a break it's his last week of school!)
Right after cleaning up the crazy mess (and showering) after cutting Easton's hair, I got a call from Rett (my business partner, the other owner of Steal Network). He asked what I was up to and I said just working around the house. So he said "I'll be there in 30 minutes, can Easton watch your kids?" Uhhhhhh.....SURE. I had to bribe Easton, but I knew Rett must have had something super cool up his sleeve. Well, BOY did he ever! The doorbell rings and I hear Eric yelling, "NO WAY"! I couldn't possibly imagine what was going on. To my surprise, there was Rett, his wife Christine, and Emily (known to BS fans as Emily K) and her husband Ted in an Excursion LIMO! Off we went for a surprise night on the town! Tuscany for dinner (SO amazing- and uhhh, the menu lights up. I was totally impressed by that, HA!) and downtown dancing (ahem......booty shakin)! What a FUN surprise night!
The rest of the weekend in a nutshell:

Work- caught up on a ton of emails but still somehow, seemingly have thousands to go.
Eric and Easton helped my sister and her BF Brock move into their first home! Congrats Brock and Sara!
Thinned my peach tree (you pick off about half the fruit on the tree, spacing them out as evenly as possible for bigger, more healthy fruit!) This took what seemed like forever!
Planted even more plants, cut Brandon's hair (not like his brother's, don't worry)
Downloaded 800 photos on to 2 different computers
Made lots and lots of fresh guacamole.- and ate it ALL.
Got a facial at Gardner Village
Powerwashed almost everything known to man including the garage, driveway, steps, porch, lawn furniture, pots, kids outside toys, deck, deck furniture, you name it - I powerwashed it- and my arm is feeling it!
Gave Jane a mani/pedi
Restored (more like cleaned) a new (old) bistro table for our basement.
Eric fixed our outdoor lighting and re-did the timers.
He also totally reorganized the garage and hung the skateboards and longboards high on the wall. No more tripping on them or the danger of Jane trying it for herself.
Visited my Grandpa's grave for Memorial day.
Did my 'round-up' trick on weeds (ahem- morning glory) in the backyard (I'll post about this- it's totally worth sharing!)

And in between all of that, lots of work in small segments here and there.
Took the kids to Cheesecake factory for dinner (YUM!) Yes, Brandon completed 75% of this burrito. That can't be healthy. That thing was half the size of him!
And tonight- work! Until now, as I write this post past 1:20am. One of these days I'll catch up. On life AND on blogging. Meanwhile, after writing it all down, the next time someone asks "What did you do this weekend?" I'll focus on what I DID do, vs. what I didn't do.

Sweet Baby Jane turned 4!

2010-05-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

jane loves the killers

2010-03-01T01:38:00.000-08:00

my 3-year old daughter jane, singing songs from my favorite band, the killers:

A Fan Poem!!

2010-01-18T20:46:00.001-08:00

I log on to our BabySteals Facebook page to find this amazing poem written by our customer and fan Emily Brown Weaver. Thank you Emily I am so humbled!

Ode To Baby Steals

I'll fully admit,
that often it's true,
my dishes are dirty,
I've laundry to do,
There might be spaghetti stains splattered on walls,
and chocolate (I hope) is smeared on the walls.

It's nothing I'm proud of,
I know it's a shame,
I'm not always quite at the top of my game.
My husband, thank goodness,
is quite understanding,
and frankly is happy the house is still standing.

But one thing I know,
and I safely can say,
Is that I'm topnotch at 10 sharp every day.
I mean, with three kids, and a mortgage to boot,
You've got to be savvy when buying their loot.

I've searched round the country, and even the globe,
with my sensitive sense and my laser mom probe.
The deals aren't in england, in russia or guam,
but rather are found on babysteals.com

If you've got a munckin in diapers I'm sure,
You'll instantly see why it's such an allure.
From shoes to pajamas, from blankies to toys,
In colors that suit all your girls and your boys.
You'll quickly forget all that dreary housecleaning,
and find that it's much more enjoyable stealing!

You'll want to tell all of the moms that you know,
rave about babysteals places you go,
but careful, I'll warn you, cause they'll steal it too,
and sometimes they might do it faster than you!

So at that sweet magical hour every day,
You'd best pay attention log on straight away,
Or else I'm afraid you will pucker and pout,
when you find that the steal is all gone, and sold out!

Funny things 3-year olds say

2010-01-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

So Jane this Christmas was so scrumptiously cute I couldn't handle it. It was the first year she really "understood" what was going on. It was so much fun watching her open her presents. I had to share this hilarious video. You can tell by her language she's raised next to two boys....

A hint for the super loyal BabySteals fans...

2010-01-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

...I would start a frenzy if I posted this on the BabySteals facebook page, so I hope this does the trick!

Black Friday Shopping...

2009-11-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

I admit- one of my fav things on Thanksgiving is getting the ads in the paper for Black Friday! I spent some time late that night scouring the ads and devising our plan. Instead of getting up mega-early and hitting the crowds, we slept "in" until 7, and Eric and I went to Walmart expecting police, fights and no parking spots. Instead- no lines, small crowds, found a close parking spot, etc! Went in, grabbed the big SONY LCD for our bedroom (we've had the same TV in there for 15 years, it's about time!) grabbed tons of other doorbuster deals we wanted and left for Shopko. Again, no line, no crowd. They said they were out of what I wanted, but I walked to the back toy isle anyway. Sure enough they were gone but right then some lady takes one out of her cart and puts it on a random shelf! (I know, I'm charmed). Then Target, Old Navy, Sams Club, and Fashion Place Mall. Same thing. Everyone else in Utah must have got up at o-dark-thirty and hit the crowds but I sure didn't! Finished about half the shopping for the kids in just a few hours. Got home just in time to get to work on a crazy day on the websites. Score!

I got my Dodge Ram!

2009-11-28T19:33:00.000-08:00

With BYU beating Utah today it's time to tell the story behind my new dream truck! It will all make sense in a second. However, keep this note in the back of your mind: anyone who knows me and knows me well knows that I have a giant junior-high-married-girl crush on Bronco Mendenhall, the coach of BYU Football. (No, Eric does not care, he plays into it because he knows it's a joke.) During my time working at KSL I was able to see Bronco a few times as he came in to speak to the staff as well as during radio broadcasts. Let's just say I got teased a lot by coworkers about my innocent married girl crush. I digress.

I'll make a long story short. I got an '09 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi. It's sooooo pretty. But the '09's were verrry hard to find right now, because they're rollin out the '10. I wanted an '09 because they have a lifetime powertrain warranty. The one I finally found with all the features was the l-a-s-t one on this particular lot yet wasn't in the list of their online inventory. Of course! I noticed it had two BYU decals on the windows in the back which seemed odd for a new truck but hey, I'm a fan! They called it the 'manager's demo' which meant they hadn't sold it on purpose so they could use it for sales purposes. I didn't like that too much- visions of employees driving it home for a weekend rally or all the test drivers taking it for a spin. I got over that after a few days (ahem, they let us take it home for the weekend) and we decided to buy the truck. I was so excited. Of course they gave it a complete overhaul - took the stickers off, detailed it inside and out, etc. When we were in the finance department buying the truck, the finance manager says to me,

"So, you're buying Bronco's truck, eh?"

"WHAT? You mean Bronco Mendenhall?" (I get shaky even typing his name).

"Yeah, with our BYU sponsorship we loan him the cars of his choice and he drove that for a month or two and just dropped it off the day you came in!"

TOTALLY MEANT TO BE!

Isn't she pretty!? I loved it before but now I love it that.much.more.

My geekiness revealed

2009-11-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

here's my sellout for a flip phone for the company!

For the BabySteals Fans...

2009-11-18T22:35:00.001-08:00

....that click over here tonight, it totally is "That Baby!"

PS. for everyone else, the BabySteals Facebook fan page has some really awesome moms in there. I sit here working and sometimes have a hard time focusing because I want to go in and see what they're saying! It's work, but not work! Anyway, a few days back someone (Cami?) found my personal blog (I don't talk a whole lot about work on here!) and linked it on there. Of which some super smart moms figured out that BabyLegs will be a future steal (which I totally may or may not be confirming!) based on the pictures below. Busted! So, someone posted my blog tonight, in the midst of them asking for a hint about what tomorrow's steal is. So some moms will click, and hey, why not give them the surprise! :)

xo

PS. If you do, leave a comment and tell me you've been here!

She's like butter...

2009-11-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

So my mom (her website here) has come by twice this week to do product shots for upcoming BabySteals and KidSteals features. Jane has been mostly great, but a bit testy at times (not quite like when she was filming for a part in Baby Signing Time). Some of the shots turned out amazing. Here are just a few of the super darling ones! I can't believe she's growing up so fast right before my eyes! Enjoy, family!

My cousin Kristyn brought by her darling son Brennan and he was our guinea pig for even more shots!

Halloween!

2009-11-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realize these photos are dark, and grainy. My Canon Rebel xti is totally messed up and won't go out of manual mode! I'm trying to get it fixed, but in the meantime, here's pictures of my cuties on Halloween I traveled over 8 hours on an airplane to take! (Aruba pics coming soon)

Jane was a witch (not just ANY witch but a darling witch) and Brandon was Ben 10. We landed at 4pm with just enough time to get home, show my parents all of our photos and get the front porch decorated for Halloween. I played a scary soundtrack through the window, and put the crabapples from the tree in a silver bucket, added food coloring and dry ice and voila - a bucket of boiling eyeballs! Gross! (bad picture on the bottom right)

The highlight of trick or treating however, was most definitely Jane's curiosity. She spent SO much time on each front porch inspecting every little decoration on their porches. The last house we visited across the street, (above) Jane was totally curious before knocking because they had a lighted skeleton in the ground. She stood there for 5 minutes pointing to it and saying 'scary' but wouldn't go to the door. Finally she did, then suddenly decides to GO RUNNING INSIDE THEIR HOUSE after seeing kids toys across the room! Keep in mind we've never been inside their house, nor do we know them. I have half of it on film until I was so embarrassed calling her to come back I turned it off. She would NOT come back! She climbed inside a giant toy car and wouldn't get out. I had to go inside and pry her screaming from the car. Of course they were gracious as I apologized, (and they were cracking up) but seriously Jane why did you run in their house uninvited! I'll definitely remember that for a long time. I might have to post the video if I can get over the embarrassment of my voice!

...and thanks to her big brothers and their super sneakiness, almost all the candy is already gone!

caramel apples

2009-10-25T11:29:00.001-07:00

to soak in a bit more halloween before our Aruba trip, we made caramel apples with some of the amazing apples from our yard!

t
we also finished brandon's halloween costume - he decided to be Ben 1 0 this year. jane is going to be a witch- and it is the cutest witch ever! I can't wait to trick or treat with her!

Easton's first concert at Murray High

2009-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

doesn't he look handsome in a tuxedo? ps. he will destroy me if he sees this. typical high schooler

He started out on the keyboard - it was awesome!

Then moved to do clarinet for the rest of the concert. It's awesome to see his musical talents shine!

he's the one with the clarinet ^ in his hand... :)

random photos from my yard...

2009-10-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's the simple things that make me happy.

the tiny pumpkin 'sugar pie' in front is from our yard! instead of having crab apples all over the yard, they're gracing the silver bucket this year.

we have so many wonderful carrots from our garden!

and we've been lucky enough to have a wonderful harvest of apples!

seriously? castor beans and cannas in full bloom at the end of october? not for much longer...it's going to possibly snow this week? aaaa just in time for 90 Aruba weather!

My Dream Truck...

2009-10-19T01:46:00.000-07:00

....is almost here. It's time to trade in our Dodge Durango that has done us so well the past 9 years. I've been very anxiously searching for this truck, but they are not easy to find. A 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega-Cab 5.7L Laramie in white, black, metallic silver or khaki. I'm hoping I find one before our trip to Aruba! Meanwhile, note to self. When visiting Dodge dealerships, don't go right after a party, by yourself, in William Rast Jeans and black high heels. Just sayin'.

A surprise visit to one of our biggest fans!

2009-10-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Kristen and I made a surprise visit today to Primary Children's hospital to visit Jess Bowman, one of our best customers and biggest fans from Idaho that we’ve never met in person. On Thursday she delivered a baby here in Utah because her baby has complex congenital heart defects and at Primary Childrens there are specialists. Before she knew what she was having, she was buying lots and lots of Babysteals and would buy both boy AND girl colors. Then she found out it was a girl and sold all of her boy stuff. Well, turns out it was a BOY! We’re hoping we can help exchange some of that PINK she has to blue.

Kristen and I met at the warehouse to pick out a few steals we knew she would want (and need) that were BLUE that she missed out on while she was in the hospital (the Mally Bibs and aden+anais sleep sack!) I made a card (yes, you heard me, made a card, even with cute little metal baby feet on the front!) and we were off. We had a tough time finding her at the hospital because she was already discharged but then made our way to Primary Childrens. Lucky enough, right as we found the NICU area and walked in to the lobby, we saw what we thought was her and her husband walking back into the NICU (remember, neither of us had ever even met Jess, only through facebook photos!). She looked at us for a second and we both knew! "Is that you, Jess?" "Jana?!!" I could tell she had been crying and of course that made both me and Kristen cry. We gave her huge hugs and could feel her sadness. They had just received tough news on their sweet baby boy and his condition. It was tough to find the words to share but we listened and tried not to cry our eyes out. I'll leave Jess's blog to the true details, but we are praying her sweet baby boy will be ok. Jess is so strong and has such a true faith and knowledge in Heavenly Father's plan. Even though it was a quick visit, it was perfect timing as she was taking her sister back into the NICU to see her baby and thirty seconds later we would have missed her. It was so wonderful meeting her in person and I hope the quick visit lifted her spirits.

I posted it on the BabySteals blog before we left, and was surprised to read the fun comments from moms on there and our Facebook wall. I know this alone will make Jess happy, especially because she is a super fan and the other moms will be able to send virtual support and prayers her way also. HUGS, Jess!

...something is coming...

2009-10-18T00:45:00.001-07:00

Aruba!

2009-10-18T00:20:00.000-07:00

About one week from tomorrow I'll be here....

...enjoying the first vacation that Eric and I have ever taken without kids in our 16 years of marriage. We're going with our good friends Aaron and Rachel, and our friend (and trainer!) Matt. We're pretty darn excited to say the least! Although we'll only be gone M-F, it will be a much needed getaway for me, who has worked an average of 14 hours/day the last year and a half. We could have been there for two more days but I couldn't imagine missing the kids on Halloween. I know, I sound CRAZY don't I! Missing time in ARUBA so that I can go trick or treating? Yep, it's true. We're flying home Halloween morning and land at 4pm, just in time. Jane will finally understand it this year and I truly can't wait!

This will be my first trip out of the country. Lucky my passport arrived last week!

Random post!

2009-10-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

Busy is the best way to describe my life lately! Just when I think I'm the busiest I've ever been, I get busier. However, more than ever we are taking time to have fun and play hard when we have the opportunity. But you can pretty much guess that at any point in the day outside of normal taking-care-of-kids-and-house responsibilities, I'm either working, or working out. We have always been pretty healthy around here and exercise has always been a part of the mix. But this summer we have put a huge emphasis on exercise, and Eric and I have been working out at least one hour per day, 6 days a week. More on that later. For now, a few quick photos of the kids.

Easton and Eric last weekend, on an overnight scout camp/hike to Cecret Lake, to complete a few certifications for his merit badges.

Brandon last night at Gardner Village. It's so fun this time of year.

Jane, twirling in her new dress I picked up in Vegas from Twirls and Twigs. I can't handle the cuteness.

Sorry for the randomness, I have lots to upate and post on soon. I hope all of you reading this (does anyone even read this?) has a wonderful week!

Brandon got up on skiis!

2009-08-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

We went to Starvation Reservior last weekend with my cousin and uncle and their families. Brandon got up on waterskiis for the first time! He was so proud of himself. He also got up on the kneeboard and was up for such a long time! He even got confident enough to try and cross the wake. It was so much fun to see! Thanks Ladd and Scotty!

kneeboarding!

Scrapbook Deal of the Day

2009-08-04T21:22:00.000-07:00

Alright everyone, yeah you can blame my lack of posts here on our new Scrapbook Deal-a-Day website. www.scrapbooksteals.com! Ain't she pretty?

It was in the plans even before we started BabySteals.com. In fact, originally I couldn't decide which to start first. The rest is history!

ZUMBA- my new obsession!

2009-07-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Just try this.....and picture doing it for a solid hour. SO FUN!! And a whole lotta booty shakin!

4th of July Pics

2009-07-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

I heart the 4th of July! When I was a kid, we were in the Murray parade because my dad was a volunteer Fireman. We would ride in the truck and throw candy out to the other kids. This year, with my kids at that same parade, I had to get the picture of the Murray firetruck passing.

We had a busy but fun day. Easton was working with the Murray Youth Chamber of Commerce, and walked the entire parade route passing out flags. Then he worked at Murray Park at a booth putting tattoos on kids all morning and afternoon!

I'd bother giving you the Jello recipe for the dessert above, but it was way more work than it was worth. I also did Pioneer woman's Jalapeno Bacon wraps.....oh wow. We did the traditional BBQ at my Grandma's and watched the Murray fireworks from her lawn. The kids had a great day!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Easton conducting Honors Band!

2009-07-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

In a post below, I talked about how Easton received the Clove award for Music at Hillcrest Jr. High! In his final Honors Band concert this year, there was a big surprise in the concert. For the last song, Easton conducted the band! He didn't tell me or anyone we invited that he was doing this so it was a huge surprise! Eric knew, but that was it. Here's a video from that night. You'll notice at the beginning Easton's band teacher was really emotional talking about the class. It's wonderful to know that Easton has such wonderful mentors at his school and teaching him such great things!

stop and smell the fya-yees

2009-07-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

well, that's what Jane calls them, anyway.
fya-yees = flowers.

She loves going through the yard, smelling (and unfortunately picking) the flowers. I can't trust her alone with a special plant for a minute or every flower would be beheaded. But it's fun to see hear soak in nature!

PS. If you're wondering, that's feverfew!

my new favorite thing

2009-07-01T15:40:00.001-07:00

My parents got me the Jack LeLanne Juicer for my birthday, and we have used it every day since. My produce bill has gone (way) up, but we're drinking pure juice instead of concentrated. The kids LOVE it. We've gone through more apples, oranges, pineapple, carrots, and yes, even cucumbers than I can imagine. I highly recommend it!

It's Cherry Pickin' Time!

2009-06-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

Easton helping Jane pick some cherries

After 8 patient years of waiting, our cherry tree produced a lot of cherries this year! We had to put a huge net around it so the birds didn't eat them all. After church on Sunday Eric took the net off and we got all the cherries off the tree.

I made a homemade cherry cobbler that night.....YUM! Hmmm...how about cherries jubilee tomorrow?

Messiest Toddler on the Block

2009-06-18T23:48:00.000-07:00

So Eric is watching TV, I'm working. We both think the other has her. Within 2 minutes this is what she accomplished.
nakey parts blurred to make sure you get the full affect of the disaster

9th Grade Graduation + Clove award for Music!

2009-06-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

Is it really true that we now have a High Schooler? Easton can't possibly be old enough (i can't possibly be old enough!) We're so proud of Easton for doing so well in Jr. High. He was recognized at his Graduation for receiving the 'Clove' award for Music! They pick one student per subject and Easton was the recipient. What a great honor! He received recognition at an awards night, at Graduation, the award and $100! Now on to Murray High....

lipstick + toddler + silence =

2009-05-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

i can't think of a word to say.

may in my garden...

2009-05-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

have I mentioned I love love love spring? I love gardening and spend a lot of time working on my prize iris and other perenials. the majority of them bloom in may. can't lilacs bloom all year?

signs it's almost summer....

2009-05-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

...the ice cream man driving up the street was way too irresistable for brandon!

Happy Birthday Baby Jane

2009-05-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

wait, she's not a baby anymore! jane turned three on saturday. sweet baby jane is growing up so fast. i treasure every moment with her.

KSL.com!

2009-05-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

So strange to be surfing ksl.com, click on a story and it's about YOURSELF....trippy.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

14th in the Nation!!

2009-05-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to my family and friends, we got 14th in the nation!

BabySteals in the News!

2009-04-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

making me happy today....

2009-04-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

...are my hyacinths and daffodils! They smell heavenly....

BabySteals.com is turning ONE!

2009-04-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

What a year. That is a whole other blog post! Isn't baby Jane cute! Yes, that's a real picture on her real 1st birthday that my mom took. Since I'm not eligible to win my own $150 gift certificate to BabySteals.com, I wanted to make sure YOU were! We have some fun things planned for our Birthday on April 28th, and part of that is a virtual birthday party! Join us, click here for the details! http://babysteals.com/bday.php

Happy Easter!

2009-04-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Easter was such a gorgeous day in Utah...

...I know mother, the shadows!

Jane and Brandon woke up to a jelly bean trail the Easter Bunny made from their beds to their Easter Baskets!

Jane's basket, minus the chocolate egg with her name on it.

She looooved having chocolate that she doesn't get to eat often!

What kind of Mother am I if Brandon had no idea what TWINKIES were!?

...Easton is thinking, all I get for Easter is this silly watergun, a beach towel and a bucket of Jelly Bellys? Guess I'll eat a twinkie.

not making me happy

2009-04-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

{original post at www.ericandjanafrancisfamily.blogspot.com}
a few things not making me happy today:

-people that speed in residential areas {ahem mr. blue toyota corolla that lives approximately four doors down that thinks because you said your prayers that morning that the heavens lie down a protective shield around your car that keeps you from near-killing children innocently playing near the road when you speed next time i catch you, you'll be the victim of my complete freakout in your face and it won't be pretty}

-days that i literally work from the moment i open my eyes and turn on my laptop until the moment i get into bed closing my laptop {ok, pretty much every day}

-when people don't do what they say they are going to do

-when people do what they don't say they are going to do. such as when they ask you 2,344,122 questions about your business because they want you to sell the "product" of the company they work for and you really want to sell it too, but see they are actually only asking because now that you got them all excited about your businees they secretly decided to copy your business outside of the company they work for and decided not to share this with you as they continued to ask the questions for months because they wanted all the 'inside secrets' they could get so they could get started. it's actually called tortuous interference, so when it happens to you, you can be like, hey jana told me that. and you can totally sue them and i highly suggest you do. oh and little missy if you're reading this i'm tooootally gonna win!

What I'm REALLY thinking...

2009-04-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

Ok folks, I have a decision to make. Either no more blogging, or making my blog private, or continuing with the stuff people don't read. I know! I'm totally pulling a TAMN, but seeeeeriously. I can't say the things I really want to, (business-wise, because of stupid-slimy-copycat-stalkers that peer into my life and try to do everything I do <---hey I said what I really wanted to there, didn't I!) OR just continue to write about generic things that are happening in my life. But then I ask....is there a point? Because I'm not thinking people that actually mean something to me (Friends/Family/website Fans) read this. If you do, let me know. (comment) If people actually read this, it's worth putting effort into. If not, I'll make it private, say what I'm really thinking, then I'll know who is actually reading this and not let in the copycats of my business. If you're a copycat to my website that I won't mention so it doesn't show up in search rankings, GO AWAY I HATE YOU WITH A SERIOUS PASSION!!!!!!! and you may as well give up because I'm kicking your a$$.

Sound like a 2-year old, don't I?

Well, f'rills. (Utah, for "for reals").

Ok now friends and family and fans, you don't know this but I have about 10 draft posts I've written over the last 6-8 months that I have never posted. Mostly because of that very reason mentioned- I'm paranoid because it seems like any "new" idea or thought of mine that I implement gets pirated and used by measley followers that do whatever Emily and I do, a few days/weeks behind.

"Imitation is the greatest form of flattery"

is a bunch of BS!!!!

So, F&F&F, (friends/fam/fans) if you want more "adventures in our life" pls tell me so!

My Picture-Perfect Little Princess

2009-03-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

Tell me this girl isn't the Picture Princess! Everywhere we go, someone seems to say, "Wow, look at her beautiful eyes. You MUST put her in catalogs!" And as you can see from the photos below, Jane is very used to posing for photos, even at 2 1/2. She calls herself the "Pretty Princess Angel Boo-Boo Cake!" So, when I saw the Shabby Apple Picture Princess Contest, it was a no brainer. I had to enter her.

Sigh, being the Picture Princess is hard work!
Jane would look AWESOME in this dress (or any other little girls and girls dresses by Shabby Baby):

Hot pink looks incredible on her dark skin, dark brown eyes and curly brown hair!

Jane has already donned the homepage of BabySteals.com numerous times and received record sales the day she is on it. Now it's Shabby Baby's turn!

Happy 15th Birthday Easton

2009-03-28T14:39:00.001-07:00

Happy 15th Birthday Easton

2009-03-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this boy is 15. He is a great kid. Loves school, music, friends, FOOD and is a great brother (most of the time). He is a fantastic clarinet and piano player and practices all (repeat, ALL) the time. He is the fastest texter on the planet and looooves technology a.k.a how to hack into people's wifi (can't believe I'm admitting that) on his iTouch, messing around with computers and video games, and more video games. As we speak he is listening to music on his iTouch, playing the PS3 and texting friends with his left hand to join him for laser tag today. I'm going to go make him his breakfast requests....lemon crepes and apple/carrot juice! Tonight we're going to take him to his favorite restaurant (that is sadly closing tonight) TGI Friday's. Aunt Sara and Uncle Brock work there and this is their last night working. So sad but it will be fun to celebrate his birthday there (again...we ate there Thursday night and they sang to him!)

Disney on Ice

2009-03-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

The only thing I wanted for my birthday (other than a day off which I definitely did not get) was to take Jane to Disney on Ice. She is obsessed with Minnie Mouse, Mickey, and all his friends. She's been several times before but literally every morning she asks about Minnie and Mickey. It was so fun seeing the excitement in her eyes as each new charachter came out. She was mesmerized!

kisses~

This girl...

2009-03-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

never, ever, ever does this: Jane has never, ever, ever fallen asleep for a nap or bedtime outside of being held or rocked to sleep. I was completely amazed and blown away the other night as I sat on the floor working with my laptop that she laid down, closed her eyes and was out cold on the floor! Eric was already asleep so I knew he wouldn't believe me so this is my proof!

Tagged...again!

2009-03-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

Ok quit tagging me people! Because then I feel obliged. And I hate disappointing people.

There's a First Time for Everything, Share your first time!

1. Who was your FIRST prom date?
Dave Guelich

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
Ummmmm no but we’re Facebook Friends does that count? See above.

3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?
Tang.

4. What was your FIRST job?
Jedediah’s at Kimball Junction in Park City.

5. What was your FIRST car?
’91 Subaru Justy

6. Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
Eric

7. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
Jane- praying she will stay asleep a little longer

8. Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Mrs Mendenhall. (HEY maybe it was Bronco’s MOM! {only female BYU Football fans will understand})

9. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
To Los Angeles from Salt Lake. I was 18 (not kidding) and also going to Disneyland for the first time, which is now my 2nd favorite place in the world.

10. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk?
Probably Kara or Libby. We exchange Xmas cards but geez they’re not on FB! See previous post about Kara.

11. Where was your FIRST sleep over?
Probably Kara or Libby’s.

12. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
Brandon – my 7-year old alarm clock.

13. Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time?
Eric’s brother Corey’s, for his wife Anna one of my BFF’s.

14. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
Turned on the computer

15. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
Depeche Mode or Beach Boys. Don’t remember

16. FIRST tattoo?
nada. Unless you count the playboy bunny ears I tanned on myself via a sticker a few years back

17. FIRST piercing other than ears?
nope

18. FIRST foreign country you've been to?
nada

19. FIRST movie you remember seeing?
Star Wars or Grease or ET

20. When was your FIRST detention?
Not sure if I ever had detention? If so, probably High School and probably for tardies

21. What was the FIRST state you lived in?
Utah

22. FIRST Roommate(s)?
Eric. 19, and married.

23. If you had ONE wish, what would it be?
pfffffffff duh

24. When was your FIRST speeding ticket?
I think I was 21. I was so upset I went home and threw something at the wall on accident and dented it. Then I was even more upset the wall was dented. Damn cop.

25. Who do you think will be the FIRST person to respond to this?
I’m not going to obligate anyone by being a tagger!

This Little One

2009-03-05T22:49:00.000-08:00

Says amazing and wonderfully cute things every day. Today was one of the cutest.

"Mama, we fly weally high on a plane! Fly away far away! We get pessles (pretzels) and peanuts and a dwink! Yet's (let's) go mooooom! Don't faaaaaaaall!"

I have no idea where she wants to go, but we flew to Vegas in January so she's probably remembering that trip. It's amazing how their little smart brains remember the tiny details and spit them out so much later.

She also is completely obsessed with anything Disney. About 5 times a day she asks if we can go to Disneeeeeeland and if she can see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Jack Jack, Ariel, Seeeping Beauuuty, Goofy, and Tinkerbell.

Vote for BabySteals.com at Startup Nation!

2009-02-25T18:20:00.001-08:00

I'm not much for contests, especially popularity ones. However, PUH-LEASE vote for me at Startup Nation! You can vote once per day, and it will really help get some extra publicity for BabySteals (and me). I figure after as many 3am nights I've pulled in the last year, I should at least sign myself up for some contest.

Go here, and vote! And thank you!

http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-2009/contestant/5013/index.php

NieNie Dialogues

2009-02-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

If you're ever feeling sorry for yourself, don't. Read NieNie's blog, and you'll feel guilty you ever had a moment of frustration in whatever situation you're dealing with. A fellow Utahn and Mormon, she is an amazing example of strength and faith. Her and her husband were critically injured in a plane crash in August last year, and she is just now back to blogging while still in the midst of her slow and painful recovery. I can relate in a very small way to her situation, after my terrifying accident on my hand in December of '07. Still to this moment every time I move my finger or touch it on something, it hurts. Not terribly, but it's there. And it's hard not to move your finger. Especially with my job. And it's cold all the time. Freezing, in fact. But NieNie's blog makes having the top of your fingers shredded off with a power saw feel like a paper cut. And once you get hooked on her blog which I know you will, you can add this button also:

You can also follow her recovery here.

Just Me and my 2 Little Chicks

2009-02-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed Stephanie's blog on my blog roll below- called Just Me and my 2 Little Chicks. Stephanie is awesome, and I'm completely hooked on her blog. She is a BabySteals customer and that is how I met her! She has the cutest Texan accent ever and her girls are completely darling. Her husband Jimmy has been serving in Afghanistan and has missed the majority of their two little girl's lives. But today, he's coming home for a 2-week R&R! I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see the reunion photos. Stephanie is a great photographer, a gifted scrapbooker and totally into vintage stuff like me (although I rarely blog about it). Stephanie has a way to blog the day-to-day events of live in an emotional, creative and exciting way. Half the time I end up missing her husband as much as she does! LOL I can't wait to meet her sometime. Anyway, check it out: Just Me and my 2 Little Chicks

Cathy's Blog

2009-02-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

For my latest blog post, head on over to my good friend Cathy's blog. Thanks Cathy for doing all the work for me since I have been so buried lately! I'll catch up soon.

Tagged! 25 Random Things About Me

2009-01-31T20:07:00.001-08:00

I was tagged in Facebook and since I haven't been able to update much lately, I figured I'd post here! Please share yours if you've done yours!

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you.

1. My 3 kids are all approximately 6 years apart, mostly coincidental and based on our life situation at the time. (14, 8, and 2) My primary motivation behind pretty much everything I do is for my kids. Being a mommy is so rewarding and every day I’m amazed at how smart and freaking cute my kids are (proud!)

2. I’m happy and in a good mood the majority of the time. Just don’t piss me off! I am extremely sentimental. I am grateful, blessed, and lucky.

3. I can’t touch ANYTHING in public bathrooms, or door handles in ANY public place with my hands. Huge phobia. Germs~Ew! I’m a freak about washing my hands.

4. All I every really want to be doing is spending time with my family and friends.

5. I have worked full-time since right after graduating high school and never stopped- always wishing one day I didn’t have to and I could be home with the kids. Conflicts with #6!

6. I have always known I’d be filthy rich one day and I’d make the money all by myself.

7. I get miserable morning sickness the first 16 weeks of pregnancy but I’m grateful for the experience anyway.

8. I have a crazy photographic memory for details- however I can hardly remember many big memories from high school.

9. I can play just about anything on the piano by ear but can’t read sheet music to save my life.

10. I have a running tally in my mind all the time of the next most urgent task to be accomplished. I have a tremendous ‘responsibility theme’. If it needs to get done, I will do it. I’m a workaholic, getting things done so I can relax and have fun.

11. I’m crazy passionate about gardens, gardening, flowers, bulbs, Iris, trees, shrubs, seeds, soil, pots, vegetables.... I’m getting all excited just writing it. I can throw out the name for any plant put in front of me, its ideal growing conditions and how to best care for it.

12. I love LOVE love to cook, bake, and just be in the kitchen. I get chills looking at a good cookbook and wish I had time to make everything in it.

13. I can’t decide which season I love best, because I love them all and try to enjoy them to the fullest. I’m very excited for the sunshine and early flowers of Spring!

14. I love the outdoors and camping. We have a 30.5ft Motorhome. Campfires, dutch ovens, motorcycles, lawn chairs, camp chefs, fishing poles, ATV’s, bacon, boats, water in any form and dirt or sand make me giddy.

15. I recycle or re-use everything possible. I literally can not throw plastic, steel, cardboard or glass in the garbage. Sin! I also have a big ‘ol compost bin for all the good stuff to put back into the earth. I get extremely upset when I see water being wasted. Note to people who water their lawn everyday: WTF! Once a week, people…once a week. (In Utah, that is..)

16. I literally worry (seriously) when I am in public places such as Disneyland, Las Vegas Buffets, and any other crowded place about what happens to the leftover food and hope that it doesn’t get wasted.

17. I despise it when people speed in residential areas or by schools. Freeways? Guilty as charged.

18. I was able to have Jane naturally with no drugs. On purpose.

19. I feel bad for babies who aren’t breastfed at least for a little while (strange but true, sorry! C’mon, it’s liquid gold, people!)

20. I can’t function effectively when things aren’t organized or clean. Trust me, they’re not all the time, but I try to make it so. I’m beginning to think I’m a freak after writing all this!

21. I can’t ever decide what my favorite color is because I love them all! Purple, green, blue, yellow, red, orange, geez I can’t pick!

22. I rarely pay full price for anything. I’m not cheap, I’m smart. I only buy quality but I know when, where, and how to get the best deals on anything. I work way too freakin hard for my money to blow it.

23. I don’t take any medication or pills for a darn thing. Au natural, baby.

24. I have a wild side that rarely, if ever, comes out. When I’m good I’m really good, but when I’m bad, I’m better.

24. I wish I had a singing voice like you, Christine or you, Rachel!

24. I love learning from and talking to others. I try to surround myself with motivated, smart, interesting, positive and fun people.

24. I have never been out of the country but I adore traveling and exploring new places with my family or friends. I just hate packing though. I love Disneyland. It truly is the happiest place on earth and we have a constant countdown to the next trip. The looks on the kid's faces are priceless.

25. I love reading blogs. No idea why- even if I don’t know the person I’ll find myself reading all about their kids’ 1st birthday and be all happy for them. And facebook? A colossal waste of time but an addiction none the less. I’ve looked at all of your pictures!

Let the harassment commence. Did you notice I repeated #24 4 times?

Silence

2009-01-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

If you've wondered where I've been.......visit here and read the blog post about the CPSIA. The main reason I don't see the light of day much anymore!

Wasatch Woman Magazine

2009-01-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

I am so excited...look who's on the cover of Wasatch Woman...Rachel! She is the Wasatch Woman of the Year! And beyond deserving of it.

Wasatch Woman Magazine

The Office

2008-12-29T23:14:00.000-08:00

We're huge fans of:
around here. Easton loves the theme song- fortunately or unfortunately I hear it over, and over, and over.........

please leave a comment for Easton- he would love it. Oh then I can actually prove to my sister that people really do read this. :)

Elf Yourself!

2008-12-27T22:22:00.000-08:00

I have never in my life seen the kids laugh so hard at something. Hope you get a giggle also!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Strange man in a beard

2008-12-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

I feel semi-guilty I haven't taken the kids to the mall and waited for 45 minutes to see Santa. At our Ward Christmas party Santa was there and it didn't go over very well with Jane:Jane with her deer-in-the-headlights who IS this guy look...

She cried her eyes out when I put her on his lap. Brandon was happy however to tell Santa how badly he wants a Bakugan stadium (puh-lease Santa...bring one. Because Brandon's mom can't find one)

Neighbor Gifts = Reindeer Food (really)

2008-12-23T11:59:00.000-08:00

This year our neighbors with kids are getting Reindeer Food:Basically Oatmeal and Glitter. I used baby food jars I saved, painted the lids with silver acrylic paint and used a holiday rub-on. The tag says:

Magic Reindeer Dust
Come December 24th, as Santa flies here from the North
Here's what you do, it isn't hard~
Just sprinkle this stuff in your yard...
The sparkles draw old Santa near
and oats attract his 8 reindeer...
Then just you wait~they're on their way
P.S. Happy Holiday!

I made this for Brandon last year and he was so excited to sprinkle it in the snow on Christmas Eve.

I'll save the words Eric used in the spring from the glitter still on the grass..LOL

Christmas Wishes

2008-12-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

All credit for the fab pics to Mom

Vintage Sesame Street

2008-12-19T23:14:00.000-08:00

Today I fell down the stairs. Bad. I fell what I called falling baker-style-on-Sesame-Street but further (visit 1:04 of the video below for an example):

I was telling Emily this online, and we started reminiscing vintage 1970-something Sesame Street clips. Here are some of our favs that totally brought back some serious childhood TV watching memories:

AND MY PERSONAL FAV:

And a few more:
The Yo-Yo master!
The Ladybugs Picnic!
PINBALL!

Enjoy. You'll have the songs stuck in your head for days. Thank me later.

Spaghetti Squash with Super-Thick Bolognese

2008-12-15T18:44:00.001-08:00

Made this for Dinner with one of the 8 Spaghetti Squash from our garden....the boys loved it. Aahhh, the magic of daytime television.

Spaghetti Squash with Super-Thick Bolognese

Easton's New Idol

2008-12-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

I took Easton to Southtowne Mall to see a mini-Christmas Concert of Jon Schmidt! I even pulled him out of school for it (bad mommy). He loved that but loved more seeing Jon play live up close. We missed the beginning but got to see some of it and Easton loved it. He would play the piano 24/7 if I didn't have to concentrate at the computer on BabySteals so much. I was able to get Easton in line to meet him and we bought him some of his music books. I'm SO lucky that these are the types of things my teenager is excited about. Of course there is plenty of texting and video games and growling at his brother but Easton is an amazing kid.

Jane looked SO cute in her Christmas outfit! Heart the BabyLegs...

Enrichment Super Saturday

2008-12-09T23:11:00.000-08:00

I am the Enrichment leader in our ward and I am breathing a sigh of relief that the biggest event of the year is now over- the Super Saturday! We had a nice breakfast, Christmas music and 3 crafts. We made the "stackers" that you see above, the "Cookie Cutter treats" below and "Cookie mix in a jar". Everyone seemed to have a nice time, I was too busy to really enjoy it and I actually did my projects myself tonight instead of then. Thank goodnees I have an awesome committee to help put it together!

Cookie Cutter treats

Cookie Mix in a Jar

Below are the ones that I made tonight- I made one for a gift to someone that helps me with BabySteals at local pickup a lot! So little miss Emily Smith yours is Mistletoe, Candy Canes and Sugar Plums! I hope you love it! (I still need to add the ribbons)

best. salad. ever

2008-12-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

all credit for the recipe given to one of my new fav blogs: One more Moore Asian Chicken Salad

1 head green cabbage (sliced thinly/shredded)

3 green onions, chopped

1 can mandarin oranges (you can use a small or large can, depending on how much you want)

1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

4 cooked chicken breasts, chopped

1 pkg Oriental Ramen Soup

1 pkg frozen peas, thawed

1/2 C slivered almonds (optional)

Dressing (add just before serving)

1/2 C Sugar

2/3 C Oil

6 Tbsp Rice Vinegar

1 packet Oriental Soup Seasoning

Directions: Combine all items for salad & toss. Just before serving, whisk together ingredients for dressing. Toss together & serve. If you want to save some of the salad for another day, don't add all the dressing as the salad will get soggy (and you don't want that!) Also, if you want to add some crunch to the salad, top with some of the ramen noodles.

I've made it 3 times in the last couple weeks and even Easton hogs it down. We leave out the almonds (the boys are "d'allergic" according to Brandon) and we leave out the cilantro (eric hates even the sight of it).

The only thing I don't like about it is I despise MSG that is found in every type of top ramen imaginable. But it's fairly diluted considering it is spread into the whole salad.

Enjoy!

Imitation is the highest form of flattery....

2008-12-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

....but it really REALLY annoys me. For the most part I keep the hard core business stuff to myself, but I have been LMAO at the un-originality and complete lack of business skills that yet another brand new copycat of my website has. So I figured, why not share with my friends & fam? By the time this blog is posted the copycat will have changed their website, the evidence will be gone, and the ability to make them look like the copycats they are will be over. I'm not going to post the business name because of search engines, so for the sake of this blog post I'm going to call them BabyPoop (and because it's fitting and rhymes).

Oh and just in case the culprits read this, allow me start with business tip #1.

Here it is: When you are copying someone and creating a website with the identical business model as theirs....

DON'T COPY AND PASTE WORDS FROM THE WEBSITE YOU ARE COPYING AND PUBLISH THEM ON YOUR WEBSITE AS IF YOU WROTE THEM YOURSELF, ESPECIALLY IF YOU SEE A LITTLE COPYWRIGHT SYMBOL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.

And the real reason this rubs me wrong? What you see below is stuff I wrote one night at about 2am as I dreamed of what my website would be. And as we’ve worked the business model for the last 7 months, we’ve added a few along the way. For someone to copy the idea is one thing, but then to copy the identical words is just, well...I'll let you make your own conclusion on that one.

For the fun of this post, the words on my website will be Purple and the words on their website will be green:

ME:
Why can I only find one product for sale?
Babysteals.com is a deal-of-the-day website, we sell one quality baby product per day 50-80% off MSRP (manufacturers suggested retail price) until it sells out. Weekdays at 9am MST another amazing 'steal' starts at a price so good that it's not just a deal, it's a steal! If you don't like what you see now, check back tomorrow it will be something completely different!
THEM:
Why is there only one item for sale?
BabyPoop.com is a deal-of-the-day site. The deal is that we have a limited quantity of a single item for kids or moms, but we offer it to you at substantially less than the manufacturers suggested retail price. When it sells out, it's gone—so order quickly and visit us every day to see what deals we're offering.

Everything on your page is Sold Out. I really wanted the item, can I still order it?
Unfortunately, it sounds like you missed out on the steal. Quick fingers are the key at babysteals.com! Things sell out quickly and once the item is gone, it's gone. However, check back often because we consider bringing certain items back based on customer demand. Email us, and let us know you want us to bring it back!

The product is sold out. Is there any way I can still order it?
Unfortunately, you've missed out on the Poop of the day. Things sell out quickly and once the item is gone, it's gone. However, check back often because we consider bringing certain items back based on customer demand. Email us, and let us know you want us to bring it back!

I keep thinking about yesterday's steal and I really wish I had gotten it. Can I order it from you still?
Maybe. If we didn't sell out, it's possible we may feature the item again on Second Chance Saturday or Second Chance Sunday! Again, Email us.

If I really liked something you had on BabyPoop, but missed it, is there any way I can still get it through you?
Possibly! Send us an email to let us know you're interested in that product. We often bring back popular items, so if we know folks are interested in something, we're more likely to run it again.

Do you accept returns?
We back our products 100%, but unless the item is somehow defective, we do not accept returns. If you've just changed your mind, it doesn't fit, or you have buyers remorse save it for a baby shower! Exchanges? Remember, we're a deal-of-the-day website so that means we won't have another size or color to exchange it with!

Do you accept returns?
We gladly accept returns for broken or defective merchandise—simply visit our shipping page to see our return policy. Because of the highly discounted sales and the rapid turnarounds, BabyPoop doesn't have the capability to manage returns when buyers merely change their minds. We also can't exchange sizes or colors—when we run out, we really run out. Also, some items are simply not returnable because we can't re-sell them. A service charge of $1.00 may apply on returns.

I want to talk to someone live, can I call you?
We are really busy searching for the next 'steal' for you, and shipping you your stuff! We're also knee deep in changing our own babies diapers and cleaning up soggy cheerios off the floor. However, Please email us, we respond to all messages the same day and most often within minutes! If you'd like us to call you, leave us your phone number and we would be delighted to speak with you.

I want to talk to someone live. Can I call you?
We get really busy working on the site, and real world issues such as potty training and picking up the food our kids threw, so we just can't have someone dedicated to a phone. Please do email us with any question, comments, or concerns, and we will answer you as quickly as possible.

I still have two items in my shopping cart but your site says it is sold out. Are you holding those for me even though I haven't purchased yet?
Nope. We only know you want one once you've completed the checkout process and purchased the item. Having an item in your shopping cart does NOT guarantee you will receive the item.

I put an item in my shopping cart but your site says it is sold out. What happened? I wanted to buy that!
We're very sorry about that, but since this site involves fast turnaround of a single product, it's not possible to hold an item just by putting it in your cart. We only know you want something once you've completed the checkout process and purchased the item. Having an item in your shopping cart does not guarantee you will receive the item.

Can I store items in my shopping cart from previous days and buy them all at once to save on shipping?
We wish! We ship purchases every day and most days we sell out. So if you didn't make the purchase, odds are we don't have the item anymore. Email us to find out. But we can't combine shipping on multiple days purchases because of packaging and shipping estimates.

Can I store items in my shopping cart from previous days and buy them all at once to save on shipping?
No, keeping something in your cart doesn't guarantee you'll be able to purchase it, and if it sells out, it's gone. We ship purchases every day and most days we sell out. So if you didn't make the purchase, odds are we don't have the item anymore.

Ummmmmm....yeah. Do your own thing, BabyPoopers.

I wanna nann-anna!

2008-11-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

Just in case Jane says, "I wanna nann-anna"...........she wants a Banana.

Just in case Jane says, "Buh-Buh Kaaa Pass"....she is talking about Sponge Bob Square Pants.

Noo-Noo's = noodles

i-keems = ice cream

Hmmmm, sink, sink, sink (finger pointing to brain) = Hmmmmm, think, think, think.

cough cough cough

2008-11-23T22:24:00.000-08:00

It's bad enough that my boys in blue lost, but all of us except Easton have been sick this past week. Monster head colds and up-all-night-coughing kinda stuff. Although I felt good enough to go to Church today my #1 pet peeve is when people go sick and cough all through Sacrament and let their kids go to Primary and Nursery with big greenies running down their face as they cough in my kids' face. So needless to say I went to Church before it started long enough to set up a table to promote the Enrichment Super Saturday and then coughed my way home. Meanwhile I felt it necessary to rid the house of every single sick germ possible. So I've been steam cleaning everything. Everything! My walls now look freshly painted, the floors sparkle and there isn't a fingerprint on any doorknob. Jane's highchair(s) and car seat look brand new. All without one chemical (ew). How? My Sargent Steam. There isn't much of anything in my house that doesn't get cleaned by this. Blinds, windows, microwave, oven, fridge, floors, countertops, cabinets, mirrors, phones, toothbrushes, on and on! Without one smelly chemical and you won't believe how great everything looks when you're done. Sparkly fresh! If you've considered a steamer and you're on the fence, do it. It's so worth it. If I remember right, they give you $50 off just by saying who referred you. So tell 'em Jana talked you into it. I even humidified and cleaned my houseplants (from a distance, of course). Pretty cool watching stuck-on yogurt evaporate and wipe off in seconds. It's total cleaning nirvana. Geez, I'm easily entertained....